Agenda item

An update on projects not covered by other agenda items.

7.1    Cllr David Scott has declared that normally at this time of the year ward committee would announce its decisions regarding schemes funding for the next year. Ward committee budgets and procedures are being reviewed now; consequently the decisions about the funding cannot be made at this stage.

City of York Council has to find substantial amount of savings, £12m in year 2012-13 and £10m in year 2013-14. Ward committee budgets might be affected by that. We believe that there will be some money in ward committee budgets for the next year, but at this moment in time have no indication how much will that be.

Residents were given opportunity to raise questions.

Q       After that review of ward committee meetings, what other format will there be for residents to meet with elected members? 

A       Some of the formal meetings might be replaced by informal action group meetings, to discuss specific issues. Residents, relevant council officers and the Police will still be invited to those meetings.

Q       If I wish to speak to one of the ward councillors about the specific issue, will you come to a meeting in the area?

A       We work as a team; usually one of us will take a lead on the particular issue and will be able to attend the meeting.

Q       What about when residents would like to have their say on a particular issue?

A       The consultations will not stop. New mechanisms for consultations, such as Facebook, Twitter and e-mails are being introduced. You can always contact us via phone, e-mail, or write to us. If you are a community group we will be happy to come along to your AGM.

Q       The Fairness Commission suggested in its report to remove ward budgets. I strongly disagree with that, as ward budgets form vital funding source for some community groups. The Neighbourhood Management Unit will also be affected.

A       The Fairness Commission report will be considered while deciding about the budget savings. 

Q       What is the difference between ward committee meeting and action group meeting?

A       Action groups would probably be meeting on a monthly basis to discuss specific issues. Residents, ward members, the Police and relevant officers would be invited.

Q       Who does decide how the ward budget is spent?

A       Ward members make the final decision taking into consideration outcome of the public consultation.

At this point residents declared their support to the continuation of the ward committee meetings and corresponding ward funding in their current form.

Q       You should first look at large schemes that are not properly evaluated; it would bring the council essential savings. Scrapping ward budgets is not a solution, as they are not huge pots of money.

A       Different projects are funded from different sources. The Council has a duty to provide certain services. Moving to new offices will save £5m over the period of time. That new building will be partly let to the Police and others.

Q       Ward committee meetings have important function in connecting residents together; they provide opportunity to have your say on important issues.

A       Ward committee meetings engage more residents than other council meetings that take place at the Guildhall. We acknowledge that fact and will work with local residents to see how it can best work for them.

Q       Will all three Clifton Ward councillors fight to retain ward committee meetings in their current form?

A       Cllr. Helen Douglas declared that she is in favour of two formal ward committee meetings per year, complimented by informal meetings. A Community Hub, based in Burton Stone Lane is about to be launched, it will provide space for informal meetings and for residents to get together in an informal atmosphere and use IT facilities. A Clifton Ward Facebook page is now in operation.

At this point Cllr. David Scott gave an update on Shipton Street School redevelopment. The work on site is delayed due to shortfall of funding. City of York Council is actively helping the developer to find alternative funding stream. The existing school building will not be demolished, but redeveloped and its original shape retained.